At the Shikongo estate, breakfast had become more of a daily drama screening than a family ritual.
Everyone was gathered in the sunlit living room, enjoying their morning coffee and scattered chatter.
"Did Nathan have a heart attack? Why isn't he here?" Adam teased, biting into a slice of toast.
The room burst into mild laughter.
"He didn't sleep last night," Cinthia replied, sipping from her mug just as Catty floated in, wearing her usual, suspiciously permanent smile.
"Catty, did you see Nathan this morning? Is he okay?" Cinthia asked casually.
Catty's smile twitched. "Yes, he's fine… he's preparing for marriage."
Silence slammed into the room. Eyes widened.
"I mean—he's preparing for work," Catty added quickly, clearing her throat. "Vocal error."
She took her seat, but the ripple of shock lingered.
Tension thickened between her and Monica—an unspoken rivalry hanging in the air. Monica, unwilling to let Nathan slip into Catty's web, raised her voice just enough.
"I hope you don't plan on staying here forever," she said coolly.
"Time will decide whether I stay or not," Catty replied with syrupy confidence.
"Catty will stay here as long as she wants," Kuku Veronica said in a hopeful, almost prophetic tone. "She's like family now."
"Mom, are you alright?" Damien asked, raising a brow.
"Why are you asking? She's fine," Sofia cut in.
"No… something's different. Her tone—it's changed," Damien insisted.
"Yes," Kuku Veronica said, a proud gleam in her eye. "Because my son has accepted the marriage flag."
"Kuku… he doesn't even have a girlfriend," Monica said, nearly choking on her juice.
"Nathan will get married in—" Adam started.
"—Two months," a voice interrupted.
Everyone turned. Nathan stood at the top of the stairs, dressed and composed.
"Two months?" Sofia echoed, stunned.
"What?" Adam blurted.
Kuku Veronica beamed. Catty nearly melted in her chair from joy. Nathan walked down, placed a hand on Catty's shoulder, and scanned the table.
"Yes. Two months. No further discussion."
He turned on his heel and exited the house.
Still shell-shocked, Sofia muttered, "Who decides to marry in two months just like that?"
"Apparently, my son," Kuku Veronica answered, clearly pleased.
"Mom… did you pressure Nate into this?" Sofia asked. "Marriage isn't a business contract you sign and file. He doesn't even have a real girlfriend. Don't tell me you're trying to match him?"
Everyone turned to stare at Kuku Veronica.
"You're looking at her," she said plainly, motioning to Catty.
"Catty?" Damien whispered.
"I thought they were just friends," Cinthia added.
"You don't know kids these days," Kuku Veronica said with a shrug.
Monica's face tightened. She stood up without another word and left to get ready for school. Adam pushed back from the table, and Betty followed him into the hallway.
Private Hallway – Adam & Betty
"See?" Adam said, his voice low and hurried. "I told you. Nathan always makes sudden, unpredictable moves. With this marriage, all the Shikongo assets will remain under his name forever."
"Lower your voice, babe," Betty warned. "Walls have ears."
She pulled him aside. "Listen, even a second can change everything—we need to act fast."
"What do you mean?" Adam asked, confused.
"I mean we have to stop that wedding."
He blinked. "Right. Right… I didn't think of it like that."
He smiled, brushing her cheek with his knuckle. "This is why I love you."
He kissed her forehead and walked away.
"Love you, babe," he called out.
"Love you…" she echoed softly, then turned and let her face fall, helpless.
Elsewhere – Monica & Aune
Monica, now dressed for school, spotted Aune—the stern, always-collected housekeeper—crying quietly in the corridor. At the sight of Monica, she wiped her face quickly.
"Aune? Why are you crying?" Monica asked gently.
"I… I'm not crying," Aune denied, eyes red.
"Don't lie to me. Did Nate scold you?" Monica asked, stepping closer.
"No, nothing like that. Please, madam… you're getting late. Don't worry about me."
"Aune, come on. What happened?"
Aune hesitated. "Sir said I won't get my salary for the next five months. His shirt got burned because of me…"
"That's it?" Monica said with a soft scoff. "For those five months, just come to me for your pay. I'll cover it."
"But—"
"No buts. The shirt was in my care anyway. Just keep doing your job."
"Thank you, madam. Truly… thank you."
Monica nodded and walked off.
Meanwhile – Catty's Room
Catty sat cross-legged on her bed, clutching Nathan's photo like a relic.
"My dream is coming true," she whispered. "I'm going to marry the love of my life. He said I'm his destiny… and no one, not even that spoiled brat Monica, will stop us."
She paused, grinning.
"Kuku is the pillar of this family—and she's on my side. Still… Monica's bond with Nathan is strong. I might have to butter her up with sweet words and snacks."
She groaned. "Ugh, that's pathetic."
Terrace – Sofia & Kuku Veronica
Kuku Veronica was sipping coffee when Sofia approached.
"Mom, I gave Aune all your meds for today," Sofia said.
"Yes, dear… though I won't need them. My daughter-in-law will take care of me soon."
"You mean Betty?"
"No. Catty. She'll show Catty the routine."
"Mom… they're not married yet. Nate hasn't said anything official."
Kuku Veronica raised an eyebrow. "My son won't disappoint me."
Sofia hesitated. "Are you sure Catty is the one?"
"She's everything Nate ever wanted. Comes from a good family, well-mannered—"
"I'm not talking about that. I mean Nate's condition," Sofia said. "It's permanent. No cure. Only deep, true love can stabilize it. We need to make sure Catty's love is strong enough."
Kuku sighed. "I've tried setting him up for years. Maybe someone from his perspective will succeed."
Sofia frowned. "Just… check their palms before the engagement. Please."
"I will. Trust me. If she's not the one, I won't let Nate go through with it," Kuku said quietly.